Chem Resist Limited, based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, is a world leader in the design and construction of thermoplastic chemical storage tanks to the accepted maximum storage capacity of 100m³.
So when a client who has developed an additive that makes diesel engines environmentally friendly by removing harmful emissions asked the company to produce two 120m³ capacity tanks the assumption was it couldn’t be done and that more, smaller tanks would be required.
Ibrox Park
Not to be outdone, however, Chem Resist cracked the problem and can now claim to have not only built the largest spiral wound thermoplastic tanks in Europe but did so using a more environmentally friendly solution.
But how to get these two leviathans – each 11 metres high and 4.5 metres diameter – to the client’s plant right next to the famous home of Rangers – Ibrox Park in Glasgow?
“Not a problem”, said the Watkinson team, “If we can get them over the tricky Ravensthorpe roundabout, half a mile from Chem Resist’s factory, we’ve got a clear run to the M62 and M6 to Glasgow”!
Space constraints
Watkinson’s logistics team got to work and planned the route in every detail, advising the appropriate police, traffic and local authorities door to door. In the event the loads did not require a police escort and were safely delivered to a site with space constraints without a hitch.
Chem Resist Managing Director Simon Hewitt says Watkinson’s are trusted with the safe delivery of their tanks and associated equipment and have done so for a number of years…
Chairman of Watkinsons, Keith Watkinson employed his ‘secret weapon’ for the Glasgow delivery – Google Earth.
Careful planning
“It’s an enormous help with site surveys and delivery logistics,” he says “we knew this particular delivery had to be carefully planned due to the sheer size of the tanks and the tight space constraints on site. By using Google Earth, followed by a site visit on the ground, all went well!”